Data & Insights: Port Container Volumes Hold Firm Amid Volatility

Research evidence excerpt

Data & Insights: Port Container Volumes Hold Firm Amid Volatility

India | Transport & Logistics EquityJuneResearch19, 2026

Data & Insights: Port Container Volumes Hold Recent Reports

Firm Amid Volatility Adani Ports: Capacity Crunch to Drive Next

Leg of Upside

India Port container volumes rose 8% YoY in May-26 led by Major Ports.

Overall volume growth though, lagged at 4% YoY due to weak POL and JSW Infra: Logistics Lifts Mar-26Q; Port

Expansion Plans on Track

coal volumes. Indian Railways (IR) Container volumes declined 1% YoY

vs. strong port volumes. While May-26 trends were better vs. 7% YoY Delhivery: On the Cusp of FCF Positivity

decline seen since Middle-East tensions began, Jun-26 till date volumes Assessing Middle East Impact

declined 6% YoY. That said, Middle-East tensions easing can potentially

2026 Outlook: Low base and capacitydrive a volume growth recovery, in our view

additions to drive growth

81% rise in Global container freight rates vs. Feb-26: Freight rates have rebounded after a

steady correction since early CY25, when elevated CY24 levels (+59–288% YoY) began easing

on improving supply-demand balance. While still below CY24 peaks, rates have spiked on

Middle East tensions. With tensions potentially easing now, focus shifts to early peak season/

front-loading shipments amid potential Section-301 tariffs, a key near-term monitor

20% YoY rise in EXIM trade despite Middle East tensions: Containerisable EXIM trade (Ex -

POL, gems and jewelry) growth was healthy at 12% YoY driven by both Exports and Imports.

Exports to Saudi Arabia and UAE rose 11% and 3% YoY, respectively, as key Omani Ports

facilitated the movement of goods.

4% YoY Port volume growth in May-26: Major Ports saw 7% YoY growth while Non-Major Port

volumes rose only 1% YoY.